Conflict in Mali

In a rebellion that took place six months ago, Al Qaeda linked Islamist extremist groups overthrew Mali’s president and took control over the Northern region of Mali. Ever since, these Islamic militants have imposed tyrannical regulations and brutal, groundless punishments upon Mali’s citizens, including public floggings, stoning, and amputations, the employment of child soldiers, and forced marriages. Recently, as groups of Islamist foreign fighters have been penetrating the country and Islamist military training camps have been set up in Northern Mali, the interim President of the country called for international intervention to put an end to this oppressive military. While France wants to send drones in, the United Nations is calling upon Mali’s neighboring countries to send in their military troops and assist Mali’s population.